Okay, Portland. I need to begin this week’s column by berating those of you who haven’t bought tickets to Jay-Z. Seriously: Why are there hundreds of blue dots representing empty arena seats for his show at Moda Center on Thursday, December 14? 4:44 was beyond excellent and his setlist is all hits! Why wouldn’t you spend $28 (plus fees) to see none other than Hov himself? This is why we can’t have nice things! You always embarrass me in front of Beyoncé!
Whew, now that I’ve got that out of my system, let’s focus on local news: This week the two-day Portland Oregon Hip-Hop Festival returns, the Thesis celebrates its three-year anniversary, and there’s an all-ages Chill-Out Benefit Concert on Sunday, courtesy of Friends of Noise. But first, let’s acknowledge the dopeness of Portland rapper Karma Rivera’s latest music video, “Everybody Watchin.’”
